1G 4G37 Timing Adjustment

[Magiceton]

Does anyone know how to adjust the timing on the 1.8? I was going to replace the coil with the plugs I just put in, but it looks like the coil is inside the dizzy. It still idles fairly high (1.2-1.5) and I was going to check the timing and adjust it, but - I don't see any timing marks or a real way to turn the distributor (it looks like it's locked in place with a stud rather than a lock plate)
And where do you all recommend I get a Haynes/Chilton manual for this thing

 

[pauleyman]

Does anyone know how to adjust the timing on the 1.8? I was going to replace the coil with the plugs I just put in, but it looks like the coil is inside the dizzy. It still idles fairly high (1.2-1.5) and I was going to check the timing and adjust it, but - I don't see any timing marks or a real way to turn the distributor (it looks like it's locked in place with a stud rather than a lock plate)
And where do you all recommend I get a Haynes/Chilton manual for this thing

Been awhile since ive seen a 1.8. Isn't the distributor slotted?

 

[Magiceton]

Been awhile since ive seen a 1.8. Isn't the distributor slotted?

From the angle I can see it, it's hard to tell, especially with the dirt build up, I'll look again tomorrow when there's more light. Also would you recommend even doing the coil? Or should I go for a full distributor instead?

 

[pauleyman]

From the angle I can see it, it's hard to tell, especially with the dirt build up, I'll look again tomorrow when there's more light. Also would you recommend even doing the coil? Or should I go for a full distributor instead?

You haven't even told us what problem you're having except high idle.

 

[Magiceton]

You haven't even told us what problem you're having except high idle.

That's pretty much it. High idle, poor fuel mileage, and stumbles and shakes like hell if I turn on the AC at idle

 

[pauleyman]

That's pretty much it. High idle, poor fuel mileage, and stumbles and shakes like hell if I turn on the AC at idle

Have you done any maintenance at all? Cap? Rotor? Wires? Plugs? Check for vac leaks? Checked codes? Fresh air filter? Adjusted idle? Etc etc?

 

[Magiceton]

Have you done any maintenance at all? Cap? Rotor? Wires? Plugs? Check for vac leaks? Checked codes? Fresh air filter? Adjusted idle? Etc etc?

New plugs, checked vacuum leaks with a smoke test, pcv hose and vapor canister, no codes present, cap and rotor are stock, air filter I don't even know where to get one with it's massive size.

 

[pauleyman]

New plugs, checked vacuum leaks with a smoke test, pcv hose and vapor canister, no codes present, cap and rotor are stock, air filter I don't even know where to get one with it's massive size.

What do you mean cap and rotor are stock? As in you havent replaced them as part of maintenance? Did you look? What's the history of the car? Recent purchase or you've had it awhile.

 

[Magiceton]

What do you mean cap and rotor are stock? As in you havent replaced them as part of maintenance? Did you look? What's the history of the car? Recent purchase or you've had it awhile.

Cap doesn't look new, I've had it since November, it drives fine (other than the transmission being replaced right now) just has a high idle but it's never at the same exact rpm each time, some stops it's 1.2, others is 1.5, but always within that range

 

[RamenPride]

The distributor is definitely slotted to allow adjustment of the ignition timing. The coil is built into the distributor, and can't be replaced separately. If you haven't replaced the cap, rotor and wires yet, that should probably the next step. Might also want to clean the throttle body to see if that helps with the idle issue.